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Entry Level Cal Fire Jobs (NOW HIRING)

To view upcoming Cal-JAC CPAT and FCTC Written Test dates, click here ( Candidates experiencing ... Firefighter/Paramedic (Entry-Level ) High School Diploma or equivalent (GED) Coursework in Fire ...

New

Firefighter-Paramedic Recruit

Ventura, CA · On-site

$5.8K - $7.4K/mo

... $5,241.37/month (entry-level recruit) INTRODUCTION Do you currently have a valid California ... valid Cal-JAC CPAT certificate issued by the Fire Candidate Testing Center (FCTC) or any CPAT ...

Firefighter-Paramedic Recruit

Ventura, CA · On-site

$5.8K - $7.4K/mo

... $5,241.37/month (entry-level recruit) INTRODUCTION Do you currently have a valid California ... valid Cal-JAC CPAT certificate issued by the Fire Candidate Testing Center (FCTC) or any CPAT ...

Police Officer Recruit

Paso Robles, CA · On-site

$31.74 - $675/hr

... Entry Level) recruitment. Wage Range Academy: $31.75 per hour | $66,033.24 annually Starting ... These include police and fire protection, emergency medical response, water and wastewater ...

Entry Level Cal Fire information

See salary details

$10

$16

$27

How much do entry level cal fire jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 30, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level cal fire in the United States is $16.67, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.90 and $16.83 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Is 27 too late to be a firefighter?

Entry-level firefighter positions, including those with Cal Fire, typically do not have an upper age limit, and applicants can be successful at age 27 or older. Candidates usually need a high school diploma or equivalent, physical fitness, and may require firefighter training or certifications. Age is generally not a barrier if the applicant meets the physical and training requirements for the role.

What is the difference between Entry Level Cal Fire vs Entry Level Firefighter?

AspectEntry Level Cal FireEntry Level Firefighter
Required CertificationsBasic EMT, Firefighter 1Basic EMT, Firefighter 1
Work EnvironmentState forests, wildland areas, fire stationsFire stations, emergency scenes, wildland areas
Employer & Industry UsageCalifornia Department of Forestry and Fire ProtectionMunicipal fire departments, state agencies
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

Entry Level Cal Fire and Entry Level Firefighter roles share similar certifications and work environments, often overlapping in wildland and emergency response settings. The main difference lies in the employer: Cal Fire is a state agency, while Firefighter roles can be with municipal departments. Both positions serve to protect communities and natural resources, making them comparable entry points into firefighting careers.

How to get hired as a firefighter with no experience?

To become an entry-level firefighter, applicants typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, valid driver's license, and completion of firefighter training or certification such as EMT or Firefighter I and II. Volunteering, participating in physical fitness training, and gaining basic emergency response skills can improve chances, as many departments value relevant experience and certifications. Passing written exams, physical agility tests, and background checks are also required steps in the hiring process.

Can I join CAL FIRE with no experience?

Entry-level CAL FIRE positions typically require a high school diploma or equivalent and may include physical fitness tests and basic training. Prior firefighting experience is not necessary, but candidates should be prepared to complete training programs and obtain relevant certifications such as CPR or first aid. Basic skills in teamwork, physical endurance, and safety procedures are important for entry-level roles.

What level of fire fighter is entry level for CAL FIRE?

The entry-level fire fighter position at CAL FIRE is typically a Firefighter I. This role requires basic firefighting skills, physical fitness, and often completion of a fire academy or training program. Advancement to higher levels involves gaining experience, additional training, and certifications such as EMT or paramedic licenses.
More about Entry Level Cal Fire jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Cal Fire jobs? The most popular types of Cal Fire jobs are:
What states have the most Entry Level Cal Fire jobs? States with the most job openings for Entry Level Cal Fire jobs include:
Firefighter/Paramedic

$124K - $151K/yr

Full-time

Posted 20 days ago


Job description

DESCRIPTION Attention Applicants: Failure to thoroughly read the entire job posting may result in disqualification; ensure compliance with all document requirements. Important Applicant Notice: Entry-Level Applicants (No Fire Department Experience): You must be on the FCTC Statewide Eligibility List (SEL)on 07/08/2026 to be eligible to apply. For information on how to apply for the FCTC Statewide Eligibility List, please visit https://www.fctconline.org/ Lateral Applicants (Current or Former Fire Department Experience): You are not required to be on the FCTC Statewide Eligibility List (SEL) to be eligible to apply

Lateral Applicant Eligibility: A Lateral applicant is an individual with current or former full-time paid professional fire department experience, consisting of at least one year of service, who has successfully completed their probationary period with a fire department. Both Entry-Level and Lateral Firefighter Paramedic hires will complete a short department orientation program upon hire in lieu of a traditional recruit academy. Chino Valley Fire District is accepting applications for the position of Firefighter Paramedic.

Our Mission is to provide exceptional service while safeguarding the community. As an organization, we do this by hiring employees who seek excellence in everything they do, remain accountable, value the public's trust above all, and continuously seek improvement. We aim for our culture to match our Values of Faithfulness, Integrity, Respect, and Excellence.

We welcome you to begin the first steps of joining our fire family with this application process. Chino Valley Fire District is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment. ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS: Responds to emergency and routine alarms as part of a firefighting team, lays hose, sets ladders, ventilates buildings, and performs salvage/overhaul functions Provides basic and advanced life support services to ill and injured persons in accordance with policies and protocols Compiles necessary reports Attends all workshops and continuing education classes required to maintain Paramedic certification Performs routine maintenance of assigned station, apparatus, and related equipment Assists in fire safety inspections of buildings for adherence to regulations or in emergency pre-planning activities Participates in scheduled drills and training activities Performs other related duties Chino Valley Professional Firefighters MOU Firefighter Paramedic Job Description The salary listed in this job posting reflects the 3% Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) effective July 1, 2026.

The Job Description linked above displays salary rates prior to the COLA increase and may show lower amounts. QUALIFICATIONS For Entry Level Applicants At the time of application, applicants must attach: Successful completion of an accredited California State Fire Academy or a Firefighter I certificate issued by the California Office of the State Fire Marshal, or a verifiable out-of-state equivalent State of California Paramedic License or Nationally Registered Paramedic Certificate (formerly NREMT-P) Proof of American Heart Association ACLS and BLS certifications By the time of appointment (anticipated in mid-September), applicants must provide the following documents: Proof of San Bernardino County Paramedic Accreditation (ICEMA) (District will sponsor successful candidates to meet ICEMA requirements) For Lateral Applicants By the time of appointment (anticipated in mid-September), applicants must provide the following documents: Successful completion of an accredited California State Fire Academy or a Firefighter I certificate issued by the California Office of the State Fire Marshal, or a verifiable out-of-state equivalent State of California Paramedic License or Nationally Registered Paramedic Certificate (formerly NREMT-P) Proof of American Heart Association ACLS and BLS certifications Proof of San Bernardino County Paramedic Accreditation (ICEMA) (District will sponsor successful candidates to meet ICEMA requirements) CPAT or Biddle Certification - Completion of a CPAT or Biddle test within 12 months prior to hire is required REQUIREMENTS: Must be 18 years of age or older High school graduate/GED equivalent Possession and satisfactory maintenance of a valid Class C driver's license, or officially recognized equivalent. Entry-Level Applicants (No Fire Department Experience): You are required to be on the FCTC Statewide Eligibility List (SEL) on 07/08/26 to be eligible to apply.

Cal-JAC CPAT (Candidate Physical Ability Test) Card must be dated between 07/08/25 and 07/08/26. A passing score on the FCTC Written Test must be dated between 07/08/25 and 07/08/26. To view upcoming Cal-JAC CPAT and FCTC Written Test dates, click here (https://www.fctconline.org/testingschedules/)

Candidates experiencing financial hardship may qualify for financial aid to pay for their FCTC testing fees. (https://www.fctconline.org/financialaid/) CPAT completed between 07/08/25 - 07/08/26 (required) Lateral Applicants (Current or Former Fire Department Experience): You are not required to be on the FCTC Statewide Eligibility List (SEL) to be eligible to apply. Again, Biddle Certification is also accepted for lateral applicants only

For laterals, a CPAT or BIDDLE Card must be obtained prior to appointment. APPLICATION PROCESS Failure to provide required documentation will result in disqualification from the selection process. Applicants are required to keep the District informed of any change in contact information.

All information provided by the applicant will be subject to verification and investigation, which may cover the employment record and character of the applicant. Applicants are also expected to review and be in compliance with the District's Grooming Standard. SELECTION PROCESS Recruitment Timeline Week of July 27, 2026: Firefighter Paramedic Testing Early August: Background Investigation & Pre-Employment Process(may extend through September 7, if needed) Mid to Late September: New Hire Orientation Late September: Badge Pinning Ceremony Please note: Dates are subject to change based on operational needs.

May include the following: Application Appraisal, Written Examination, Practical Examination, Panel Interview, Background Investigation, Reference Check, and Physical Examination including Drug Screen. Applications received during the open recruitment period will be screened for conformance with the minimum required qualifications listed above. Those applications not meeting the position's minimum requirements or lacking copies of all required certifications will be rejected.

All statements made on an employment application are subject to verification *Due to the high amounts of applications the District has to process, failure to provide the required documentation will automatically result in disqualification from the selection process.